1. Eight Themes of US History
American History
Eight Themes of US History

2. Objective
Given a basic definition and examples, students will describe and illustrate four themes of U.S. history.

3. Interactive Notebook
Purpose -The purpose of this notebook is to enable you to be a creative, independent thinker and writer. This notebook will be used for class notes and as well as for other activities where you will be asked to express your own ideas and process the information presented in class.

4. Interactive Notebook
Grading – Notebooks will be collected and graded every quarter. Notebooks will be graded on thoroughness, quality, organization, and visual appeal. All class notes and notebook assignments should be included, even for days you are absent. Each entry must be titled, dated, and recorded in a table of contents.
Make sure to keep your notebook complete at all times.

5. Setting up your Interactive notebook

6. Front of Notebook
Name and Period Number
Labeled Clearly

7. Lined Paper of your Notebook 1st 4 pages of your Notebook is the
Table of Contents
IInside cover of Notebook
Date Topic/Subject Page #
Name and Period #
Printed on the inside
Lined Paper of your Notebook
1st 4 pages of your Notebook is the
Table of Contents

8. Lined Paper of your Notebook
Page #
Lined Paper of your Notebook

9. Before we begin: every class needs a notebook boss
Before we begin: every class needs a notebook boss. This is the job description:
someone who is almost never absent
someone who is detail-oriented
someone who likes being helpful
someone who is really reliable and dependable

10. Interactive Notebook Table of Contents
Today’s Date
American History Themes
Page # (Your next available page)
We will attach the sheet into your notebook!

11. American History Themes
Specific historical events are unique, but they are driven by similar, repeated themes
When looking at the history of the United States, one can see four (4) significant and recurring themes

12. American History Themes
Throughout history humans have confronted similar obstacles, have struggled to achieve similar goals, and continually have strived to better themselves and the world around them.
Today we will explore and define these 4 themes!

15. Theme 1, The American Identity
Diversity – E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one OR…more like a salad.
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme?
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

16. Theme 1, The American Identity

17. Theme 2, Division and Reconstruction
Americans sometimes go their own way and sometimes come back together, perhaps under duress. How about that election cycle?
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme?
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

18. Theme 2, Division and Reconstruction

19. Theme 3, Immigration and Migration
Immigration and Migration – Restlessness is a part of the American national character
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

20. Theme 3, Immigration and Migration

21. Theme 4, Our Geography
Our Geography-Our country has very specific natural features and these have had significant impacts on our development.
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

22. Theme 4, Our Geography

23. Theme 5, Transformations
Reform-A wide variety of reform movements have been attempted in the U.S. Reform means to “improve.”
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

24. Theme 5, Transformations

25. Theme 6, History is Local
Local-What we often care about most is our own backyard: who are we and where are we?
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

26. Theme 6, History is Local

27. Theme 7 Civil Rights
Civil Rights – American system is based on a simple idea: Every citizen has certain rights and liberties
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Questions (?): Have civil rights always been available to all?
Who should have these rights?
How should these rights be exercised?
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.

28. Theme 7 Civil Rights

29. Theme 8, America Abroad

30. Theme 7, America Abroad
America Abroad-The U.S. has engaged other countries for a variety of ends and consequences.
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)
Question: Write one question you have about this theme
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help you to remember what this theme is about.